characteristics of spiders

...especially insects. Some spiders are active hunters that chase and overpower their prey. These typically have a well-developed sense of touch or sight. Other spiders instead weave silk snares, or
webs, to capture prey. Webs are instinctively constructed and effectively trap flying insects. Many spiders inject venom into their prey to kill it quickly, whereas others first use silk wrappings to...

respiration of water spiders

...stream or pond edges and may actually travel about on the surface film as easily as on land. The water spider (or diving bell spider),
Argyroneta aquatica—known for its underwater silk
web, which resembles a kind of diving bell—is the only species of spider that spends its entire life underwater. Using fine hairs on its abdomen, where its respiratory openings lie, the water...

testing of spider’s hearing

It has been reported that spiders react in characteristic ways to a buzzing insect caught in their
web. The spider apparently locates the insect at once, runs to it, and attacks it. An inactive object, however, such as a small pebble enmeshed in the
web, produces a different response: the spider manipulates the strands of the
web, locates the object, and cuts away the filaments surrounding it...

use by caddisfly

Young larvae hatch within a few days. Depending on the species, larvae may be herbivorous, carnivorous, or omnivorous. In some species the larvae form
webs of debris for protection, while others form a funnel-like
web between stones in running water to catch food. Some protect their bodies with cases, whereas others spin protective lairs or are free-living. They produce silk from glands on the...

use in mating

...in approaching the aggressive and predatory female in order to deposit a spermatophore. The hunting behaviour of most spiders is adapted to react to the slightest movement or vibration of the
web, causing the spider to rush forward and bite its prey as quickly as possible. Thus, it is not surprising that male spiders have evolved fairly elaborate display movements and patterns to convey...